I'm currently AC*E (the mid-tier to which you will get comped to) and I think it's a pretty decent elite tier.

1. Lower threshold: The biggest advantage, IMO. For those who fly mainly in Y, it's very doable (except in non-transatlantic LH, which only yields 50% of flown miles). 35,000 miles is only about 3 r/ts in Y from Europe to Asia (or about 5 r/ts from Europe to USA). I think SK and BD are similarly easy to qualify for, but AC seems to be the easiest in Y.

2. Access to RCC on domestic UA: As with any non-UA *G tier

3. AC segs: Oneworld have their 4-segments in home carrier rule, but Star do not. So you can just fly other airlines (As I usually end up doing), and get the AC status.

If you indicated your main routes etc, I or others might be able to suggest a program more specifically.

-stargold-